Skidaway Island State Park
Skidaway Island State Park is Savannah’s secret escape—a 588-acre barrier island sanctuary where Spanish moss-draped live oaks meet shimmering salt marshes. Just 15 minutes from historic downtown Savannah, this Georgia coastal gem offers exceptional birding along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, scenic hiking through maritime forests, and even remnants of Prohibition-era moonshine stills. Whether you’re camping under the oaks or kayaking tidal creeks, Skidaway delivers authentic Lowcountry magic.
Salt Marsh & Maritime Forest
Skidaway Island showcases two of Georgia’s most iconic coastal ecosystems.
| Ecosystem | Features |
|---|---|
| 🌊 Salt Marsh | Tidal creeks, cordgrass meadows, fiddler crab colonies |
| 🌳 Maritime Forest | Live oaks with Spanish moss, saw palmetto, pine stands |
| 👀 Observation Points | Boardwalks & towers with marsh panoramas |
| 🦀 Wildlife | Fiddler crabs, deer, raccoons, alligators (freshwater ponds) |
Hiking Trails – 6+ Miles
Flat, accessible trails wind through forest and marsh—perfect for all skill levels.
| Trail | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 🐦 Sandpiper Trail | 1 mi loop | Salt marsh views, boardwalk, NO bikes allowed |
| ⛴️ Big Ferry Trail | 2-3 mi | Historic ferry site, pine/oak forest, marsh views |
| 🦅 Avian Loop Trail | ~2 mi | Combines with Sandpiper for birding loop |
Colonial Coast Birding Trail
Skidaway is part of Georgia’s Colonial Coast Birding Trail—a magnet for birdwatchers.
| Birding Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 🦅 Common Species | Painted buntings, egrets, osprey, bald eagles, woodpeckers |
| 🌸 Best Season | Spring & Summer for painted buntings; year-round variety |
| 🔭 Interpretive Center | Birding station with binoculars & reference books |
| 🎤 Marsh Birds | Clapper rails, marsh wrens, herons |
Prohibition Moonshine Still Ruins
Before the bridge connected Skidaway to the mainland in the 1960s, the island’s isolation made it a perfect hideout for moonshiners during Prohibition.
| Moonshine History | Details |
|---|---|
| 🥃 Era | Prohibition (1920-1933) and beyond |
| 🏚️ Stills | Dozens operated on the isolated island |
| 🪓 Raids | Axe marks visible on destroyed equipment |
| 📍 Today | Ruins with interpretive signage on trails |
🥃 Find the Still!
Keep an eye out along the trails for the “busted-up” moonshine still ruins and interpretive signs explaining the island’s outlaw past!
Camping – 87 Sites
| Camping Options | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Standard Sites | 87 sites with water/electric hookups |
| 🚐 Full Hookups | Some sites include sewer |
| 🏠 Camper Cabins | A/C, kitchen, screened porches |
| 🌳 Setting | Under live oaks with Spanish moss |
| 📅 Reservations | Book up to 13 months ahead (14 for GA residents) |
Park Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 💵 Entry Fee | $5/vehicle (parking fee) |
| 📐 Size | 588 acres |
| 📍 Location | ~15 minutes from downtown Savannah |
| 🕐 Hours | 7 AM – 10 PM daily |
| 🐕 Pets | Allowed on leash |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Skidaway Island State Park from Savannah?
Skidaway Island State Park is just 15 minutes from downtown Savannah—about 8 miles southeast. This proximity makes it a perfect day trip from the historic district or a nature-focused base camp for exploring the Savannah area. From the park, you can easily access both the city’s attractions and the coastal marshlands.
What birds can you see at Skidaway Island?
Skidaway is part of the Colonial Coast Birding Trail and hosts excellent year-round birding. Painted buntings are a highlight during spring and summer. You’ll also commonly see egrets, herons, osprey, bald eagles, woodpeckers, marsh wrens, and clapper rails. The park’s Interpretive Center offers binoculars and reference books to help identify species. The salt marsh and maritime forest create diverse habitats attracting over 100 species.
Is there a moonshine still at Skidaway Island?
Yes! During Prohibition (1920s-1930s), Skidaway Island’s isolation made it a hotspot for illegal moonshine operations—dozens of stills operated before the bridge connected the island in the 1960s. Today, you can find the ruins of at least one “busted-up” moonshine still along the park’s trails, complete with interpretive signage explaining its history. You can even see axe marks from the police raids that destroyed the equipment!
Are there alligators at Skidaway Island State Park?
Yes, occasionally. Alligators can be found in the park’s freshwater ponds and may be spotted near trail areas. This is natural Georgia coastal wildlife. If you see an alligator, observe from a safe distance, never approach or feed, and keep pets on leash. Alligator sightings are more common in warmer months when reptiles are active.
Can you camp at Skidaway Island State Park?
Yes! Skidaway offers 87 campsites nestled under Spanish moss-draped live oaks. Most sites have water and electric hookups, with some offering full hookups for RVs. Camper cabins with A/C, kitchens, and screened porches are also available. The campground operates year-round. Reservations can be made up to 13 months in advance (14 months for Georgia residents) through Georgia State Parks—book early as this popular Savannah-area campground fills quickly!
Is Skidaway Island State Park worth visiting?
Absolutely! Skidaway offers an authentic Georgia Lowcountry experience just minutes from Savannah. The combination of salt marshes, maritime forest, exceptional birding, and unique moonshine history makes it genuinely special. The trails are flat and accessible, the camping is beautiful under ancient oaks, and the wildlife is abundant. It’s perfect as a day trip from Savannah or a peaceful camping base for exploring the coast.
🌳 Savannah’s Lowcountry Escape
Explore salt marshes, wander under Spanish moss, spot painted buntings, and discover moonshine history—all just minutes from historic Savannah. Visit the official Skidaway Island State Park website for camping reservations, trail maps, and current conditions.
